Hand Catching Lead

1966

Velázquez's “Las Meninas” and the end of painting

While still in Italy, he travels to the Prado in Madrid and sees Diego Velázquez's “Las Meninas”; he realizes he will not surpass the skill of that painting and decides to move away from painting.

1966

First solo exhibition in Rome

His first solo exhibition, “Animal Habitats”, opens at Galleria Salita in Rome: assemblages made with live and stuffed animals, later regarded as early work of the Arte Povera movement.

1968

Group show “Nine at Castelli”

At the Castelli Warehouse in New York he shows “Prop” and “Scatter Piece” and makes “Splashing” by throwing molten lead into the angle between floor and wall.

1969

Jasper Johns's commission and a plate in the corner

Jasper Johns commissions a “Splash Piece” for his studio; while heating the lead plates, Serra sets one of the larger ones in the corner, where it stands on its own. It becomes a pivotal moment, soon followed by his break into space.

1969

First solo exhibition in the United States

At the Leo Castelli Warehouse in New York he exhibits ten lead “Prop Pieces”, a “Scatter Piece” and a “Splash Piece” dedicated to Eva Hesse.

1970

First solo museum exhibition

His first solo museum exhibition is held at the Pasadena Art Museum in Pasadena, California.